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Today's Opinions

1996 – Tornadoes in southern Fayette County caused damage estimated at $500,000. No injuries or deaths were reported from the group of twisters, which also caused damage in Marion County estimated at $10 million.
The Vandalia City Council recommended that city residents be surveyed about a change in the form of city government.
After the completion of some rehabilitation work to the old Presbyterian Church, the Fayette County Museum was set to re-open.

The signs of spring are beginning appear – the grass is growing, flowers are blooming and kids are outside playing. Add to that list the movement of farm equipment.
Generally, the arrival of spring means more traffic on our roads. Motorcyclists are out on their bikes, and people are beginning to take more weekend jaunts. Rising gas prices – with some experts predicting that a gallon of gas will increase to $5 per gallon this summer ­­– could change that somewhat.

This week’s Mystery Banks Photo: This woman, pictured several years ago, is well known in Fayette County for her love of history. She is a mother and a grandmother.
Do you know her? If so, call The Leader-Union, 283-3374.

1996 – After learning its insurance carrier, the Illinois Counties Insurance Trust, had added a new surcharge late in 1995, the Fayette County Board decided to look at other insurance providers.
Dustin Sefton and Christy Yokley were crowned king and queen at Brownstown High School’s prom.
The Vandalia Chamber of Commerce was getting ready to proceed with the construction of its welcome sign.
Fayette County Hospital announced that it was adding a home health program.

This week’s Mystery Banks Photo: These two sisters grew up in the Mulberry Grove area. One now lives in Greenville and works at Southwestern Electric. The other lives in Mulberry Grove and works at a day care center.

1996 – A little more than 200 people took advantage of a hazardous home waste collection program offered at South Central FS in Vandalia.
Clint Benhoff and Tim Worker of Ramsey were on the baseball squad at Lake Land College.
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Nattier of Patoka were making plans to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

Though next Tuesday’s election is what could be termed an “off-year election,” there are many reasons why voters must take it seriously.
First and foremost, we all have a responsibility – a privilege, really – to vote whenever we have the opportunity. It’s part of being a good citizen.
Beyond that, there are many issues in this election that merit our involvement.

This week’s Mystery Banks Photo: This picture, taken 65 years ago in Hawaii, shows two local servicemen who later returned to the area to farm. One moved south of Greenville in 1953 and the other lives in the Bluff City area.
Do you know them? If so, call The Leader-Union, 283-3374.In last week’s Mystery Banks Photo were: Jeff Blackburn, Jack Wright, Jeff Hoffman and Steven Smith.Identifying them were: Karen Washburn, Diane Blackburn, Peggy Hunt, Caryn Leigh and Jim Cole.